Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara and former England captain Nasser Hussain have praised Sri Lanka’s extraordinary record-breaking ODI run chase against England in Rawalpindi, describing it as a special moment for Sri Lankan cricket while stressing that significant improvements are still needed.
Sri Lanka chased down England’s massive total of 429, reaching 430/8 with one ball remaining to complete the second-highest successful run chase in men’s ODI history.
Speaking during a post-match television discussion, both former captains highlighted Sri Lanka’s batting approach, improved decision-making and the match-winning contributions of Pavan Rathnayake, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage.
Hussain described the victory as an exceptional achievement and said Sri Lanka needed a moment of this magnitude.
“Sri Lanka are such a talented, passionate cricketing nation. They needed a day like today. They got a day like today,” Hussain said.
However, Sangakkara cautioned against allowing the historic victory to overshadow areas requiring attention.
“Enjoy the result tonight and then start talking about bowling, our fielding, the calmness in that first 10 overs that we require,” Sangakkara said.
He stressed that the coaching staff, selectors and players must remain focused on improving consistency and decision-making ahead of the World Cup.
- Sangakkara calls for consistency in selection
Sangakkara praised Sri Lanka’s decision to promote Dasun Shanaka up the batting order, saying tactical flexibility and identifying the right players for particular situations were essential in modern white-ball cricket.
Shanaka smashed 97 off 50 balls, playing a crucial role in keeping Sri Lanka’s record chase alive.
Sangakkara said the decision reflected better game awareness from the team management, adding that the timing of batting changes could significantly influence the outcome of matches.
He also called for consistency in player selection, particularly in the case of Pavan Rathnayake, who scored a match-winning 130.
Hussain echoed those sentiments, describing Rathnayake as a player with exceptional talent who should be backed over a longer period.
“You’ve got to stick with him now. You’ve got to stick with him for a long time,” Hussain said.
Sangakkara said players should ultimately be assessed on their performances rather than excessive scrutiny of their batting techniques.
He also noted that Avishka Fernando had strengthened his case for a consistent place in the team following his impressive return.
- Hussain praises Liyanage’s composure
Hussain reserved special praise for Janith Liyanage, who held his nerve during the final stages of the chase after Sri Lanka appeared to be losing momentum.
He said the pressure of completing a historic chase could be greater than the pressure experienced earlier in the innings.
According to Hussain, Liyanage displayed the calmness and composure required to finish the game, striking the decisive six to secure victory.
Sangakkara agreed, explaining that successful players must remain focused on the present rather than worrying about failure or anticipating victory.
- Historic win, but work remains
Despite praising Sri Lanka’s batting performance, Sangakkara said the team must address weaknesses in bowling, fielding and its approach during the opening overs.
He also emphasized the need for consistent communication between coaches, analysts, selectors and players.
Hussain, meanwhile, questioned England’s inability to defend 429, pointing to their struggles to take wickets during the middle overs.
Both former captains also acknowledged Harry Brook’s extraordinary double century, which helped England post their imposing total.
Sangakkara said Sri Lanka should celebrate the historic achievement but avoid treating one exceptional performance as evidence that all the team’s problems had been resolved.
The victory places Sri Lanka behind only South Africa’s famous 438-run chase against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006 on the list of highest successful men’s ODI run chases. (Newswire)